Walking to the parks

[DisneyChik17]

Hey everyone!

I am trying to get a trip to DL & DCA before the end of the 60th, and was looking at AirBNB rooms to stay, since I am a "park comando" type and just need to sleep and shower.

A lot of places on AirBNB say "walking distance," and I am fine with a mile each way or even a little further (or Uber if I must) but can you walk up to the parks or is this just absurd and should I look at a "Good Neighbor" hotel to be within actual walking distance?

Also, is it a safe area? I've never been to the LA area and it will be just me, so I want it to be an area I can handle myself in. I'm used to going places alone, but I always know my surroundings, so I just want that awareness for DL too.

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

Walking to the parks is easy and safe. Even if you're alone, it's a busy crowded area. If a place is advertising being within walking distance, it may very well be under a mile. We would have to know the location of the AirBNB to tell you for sure, and frankly I don't even know what that is!

 

[DisneyChik17]

This price tags in grey are the ones I am looking at (obviously the $103 is a little off in location).

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

It's incredibly close.

 

[DisneyChik17]

It's incredibly close.

Yay! I just have no orientation of the neighborhood, at all. My only LA geography is from Clueless, and that's very iffy. LOL!

I'm assuming there's restaurants, convenience stores, and maybe a grocery in the area as well? Just to grab some protein bars and late night munchies. I'll mostly eat in the parks and have my refillable water bottle, but want to have some back-up eats.

 

[jiminy.cricket]

I'm glad you asked; I was just perusing AirBnB and wondering the same things!

 

[George Lucas on a Bench]

I think I personally would with one of the places to the south on the map. It's a slightly easier walk to Downtown Disney.

 

[Travel Junkie]

Yay! I just have no orientation of the neighborhood, at all. My only LA geography is from Clueless, and that's very iffy. LOL!

I'm assuming there's restaurants, convenience stores, and maybe a grocery in the area as well? Just to grab some protein bars and late night munchies. I'll mostly eat in the parks and have my refillable water bottle, but want to have some back-up eats.

I only mention this since you mentioned you are geography challenged when it comes to LA, but in case you didn't know Disneyland is about 40 miles south of downtown LA. Something to keep in mind if you flying into LAX.

Those locations on your map that are south of Disneyland ( near Katella Ave.) are about a 15-20 minute walk. You could just walk up Disneyland drive and walk through the Grand Californian hotel. The locations north are a little bit further away but still maybe a 25-30 minute walk. You could also walk to the Mickey and Friends parking structure and take the tram from there to the resort to save your feet.

There are food options in Downtown Disney. There's a 7-Eleven at the corner of Katella and Harbor and also a 24 hour CVS pharmacy on that corner as well. Most of your fast food options are along Harbor. Mcdonalds, Denny's, IHOP, Subway etc are all right there.

I wouldn't worry about safety.

 

[DisneyChik17]

I only mention this since you mentioned you are geography challenged when it comes to LA, but in case you didn't know Disneyland is about 40 miles south of downtown LA. Something to keep in mind if you flying into LAX.

Those locations on your map that are south of Disneyland ( near Katella Ave.) are about a 15-20 minute walk. You could just walk up Disneyland drive and walk through the Grand Californian hotel. The locations north are a little bit further away but still maybe a 25-30 minute walk. You could also walk to the Mickey and Friends parking structure and take the tram from there to the resort to save your feet.

There are food options in Downtown Disney. There's a 7-Eleven at the corner of Katella and Harbor and also a 24 hour CVS pharmacy on that corner as well. Most of your fast food options are along Harbor. Mcdonalds, Denny's, IHOP, Subway etc are all right there.

I wouldn't worry about safety.

Thank you! I didn't think about distance from airport to park, even though I should be good on time. I'm flying from Orlando to Las Vegas, going to a show, and then flying to LA. Is there a closer airport? I plan on flying Southwest, but I am open to flying into another airport if it's closer/easier.

 

[Californian Elitist]

That area is not far at all, so you should be okay.

In terms of airports, you might want to fly into John Wayne. It may be a little closer.

 

[DisneyChik17]

Thank you @raven24! I will look into that airport and compare.

 

[ForeverAnna]

John Wayne and Long Beach airports are both much closer to Disneyland than LAX.

 

[s8film40]

I flew in to John Wayne once. Far better than LAX! Much closer and the airports smaller and less crowded.

 

[JoFu]

I flew in to John Wayne once. Far better than LAX! Much closer and the airports smaller and less crowded.

Plus, landing and taking off from SNA can be a thrill ride in its own right. The descent into the airport is at quite the angle and the the take off includes cutting the engines over Newport!

 

[Texas84]

If you don't want to walk check out Anaheim Resort Transportation. There should be a stop close to all those locations.

http://rideart.org/

 

[Phroobar]

Your safe as long as you are not in Garden Grove or near the strip clubs on Ball. I'd stay away from Stanton too.

 

[atsolomon]

I stayed in a condo in that square shaped area just across from Magic Way. Just a little closer than you. We ended up taking the shuttle to/from the Mickey & Friends parking structure most nights. As far as I went with my family, I thought the area was quiet & perfectly safe. Walking was just fine.

 

[ght]

Those look fine, particularly the ones off Katella. My only word of caution as far as walking distance it to remember that the distance will likely seem much longer after a day at the parks than it does in the morning. With that said, the locations you are looking at will probably be fine for you.

 

[BubbaQuest]

Just know I'm a pessimist at heart so keep that in mind while reading...

The ones north of Ball road seem like a really long walk. Probably doable in the morning, but I would recommend uber/cab after a full day at the park. The ones on Katella could be easier. But at that rate, it seems like you could find a hotel on Harbor for only about $10 more -- although taxes will probably add another $20. Just something to keep in mind if you are considering 2 uber rides.

One thing about Anaheim, once you get outside the streets immediately surrounding the parks (Harbor, Ball, Katella), it quickly turns into a older suburban area with very little retail and not the most convenient sidewalks. If you are use to urban areas, you'll be fine. But I know many people freak out during their first trip when they find out they might have to walk by public bus stops with pseudo-homeless people. If you've walked I Drive in Orlando or the Strip in Vegas, it's not any worse than that.

Most of the food and convenience stores immediately outside Disney are limited to Harbor Blvd.

I also highly recommend Santa Ana/Orange County (John Wayne) airport if you are flying Southwest. You'll easily save an hour in drive time and TSA lines by using that airport instead of LAX.

Hope this helps and have a great trip!

 

[ran6110]

This price tags in grey are the ones I am looking at (obviously the $103 is a little off in location).

Try and get one of the places by Katella and walk up Disneyland Drive. Take a right and enter the California Resort then walk through it and pop out in Downtown Disney turn right and you'll be heading to the entrance.